Retired artist’s payoff, perhaps (6)
I believe the answer is:
reward
'retired artist's payoff' is the definition.
'reward' can be an answer for 'payoff' (synonyms). I am not sure about the 'retired artist's' bit.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reward that I've seen before include "Prize; pay-off" , "Something given for achievement" , "Deserved prize" , "Reinforcement for good behaviour" , "It's given for service or attainment" .)